Current-controlling mechanism for automobile signals



Jan 6, 193kV A. M. HuDsoN ETAL y 1,787,682

CURRENT CONTROLLING MECHANISM FVOR AUTOMOBILE .S'HHALS med Feb. 14, 192s s sb'eewsheet, 1

Ela-1e ATTORNEY Jan 6, 1931. A. M. .HUDSON ETAL 1,787,632

CURRENT CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR UTOHOBI'LE SIGNALS Filed Feb. 14, 1928 3 sneets-sheet- 2.

INVENTORS ATTORNEY Jan 6, 1931. A. M. HuDsoN Erm. 1,737,582

CURRENT COTROLLING IECHANIS FOR UTolo-BILB SIGNLS Filed Feb. 14, 1928 3 ShltS-li 3 ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 6, 1931 -UNi'rED STATES PATENT i ceri-cr]N I ALEXANDER M. vHUDSON AND CLARENCE i1. TWETTEN, ornoUNn LAKE, MINNESOTA CUBRENT-CONTROLLING MECHANSM FOR AUTOMOBILE SIGNALS Application mea February 14,1928. seriaiNo. 254,260.

p Our invention relates to 'certain new and useful improvements "in circuit controlling mechanism for auto vehicle ysignals and particularlyto those known as right and lleft turn signals;

proposed lfor .attachment to l the steering wheelv of an automobile, by'. means vof which when ythe operator desires tomake a right or left turn he canV close the circuit to the desired signal. Allthose devices heretofore proposed, with which we are familiar, are 'more or less objectionable for one reason or another, asfor example expense of manufacture, unsightly appearance, unreliability, weakening of steering wheelrim, interference with proper steering operations, etc. etc.

Our invention, in` general, has for Van object to provide van apparatus which will eliminate the objections aforesaid.y

Further objects are to provide a` circuit controller which is entirely free of the steering wheel; a circuit controller which is adjustable to almost any type ofcar; one by means of which the signal can be given in advance of the desired movement ofthe steering wheel to change direction of the vehicle; one by which the signal can be given at any time and without removing the hand from thesteering wheel rim.

Further it is an objectto provide a mechanism of the class described that may be operated either by thumb or back of fingers as may be found desirable by the operator.

A further object is to provide a circuit switch whose operating element may be adjusted nearer to or farther from the steering wheel rim' to suit the convenienceof the particular user. Y

A still further object is to provide a circuit switching mechanism which is so de` signed that the operator can maintain the signal while the turn is being made, i. e., while the steering wheel is being' revolved in a complete circle all without having to remove his hands from the wheel. Y

Further it is an object to provide a device in which the signal controls are always in the same absolute location with relation to the driven-the left is always'at his left hand, the right is always at his right hand, regardless of how much the wheel may be tur-ned orj adjusted to take up slack. I Yet another object is tomake provisions p c v y. 1 'l wherebythe thumb or fingers ofthe operator Heretofore a number of devices have` been will 'quickly slide `olf the circuit controller -at ysuch places as will prevent giving awrong signal, as bythe hand slipping too lfar and establishing the opposite contact from the one desired. y f Y Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out hereinafter.

To theV attainment ofthe aforesaidobj ects Y and ends, our invention consists in the novel details of construction and 1n the combination, connection and arrangement'of parts substantially' on the line 242 on Figure 1, y

parts being shown in elevation.`

Figure 3 is a plan view of our device by itself. 7

Figure 4 is a perspective' view of one o the clamp and support members. f

Figure 5 is aperspective view of one of the Lshaped levers andthe actuating rim section carried thereby. y l

Figure 6 is a detail vertical section on the line 6 6 of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a detail vertical sectionon the line 7 7 of Figure 3. n

Figure 8 is a detail section similar to Fig-V ure 6, showing a Slight modification of the invention.

Figure 9 is a detail diagrammatic view of the circuit connections with which our invention may be employed. i

Figure 10 is a detail horizontal .section onV the line 10-10 of Figure 6. v

^ Figure 1l is a detail vertical sectionon the line lll-P11 of Figure 6.

In the drawings, in which like numerals and letters of reference Iindicateclilie parts in all the figures, l. represents the steering wheel post, Q'the steering wheel rim, 3 vthe spokes or" the steering wheel, all of which may be of the usual construction.

Secured to the steering wheel post l is a two-part clamp and support member' 4, each part having ears 5 for the reception of bolts 6 so that the clamp and support member` may be secured rigidly to steering wheel posts of variable diameters. Each clamp and support member 4 is provided with a radial socket extension 7, the upper outei edes of which are provided with hinge eleinents l O i() receive the hinge elements 15 of the L-shaped levers 9, the longer arms of which constitute spokes for carrying the actuating rim-sections 10. These rim sections 10 are preterably mounted on the spokes or long arms of the levers 9 midway the ends of the rim sections, and the rim-sections may or may not be made of flexible material as desired. For the more expensive cars we preter to make these rim-sections of flexible material as that will be more convenient for the'operator if he desires to operate the signal by means ot the backs of his fingers.

Each rim-section 10 near the bottom at a point 12 is turned inwardly parallel to the spokes 9 as at 11, the purpose of which presently will appear. The long arms of each lever 9 are composed of telescopic sections, one of which 13 forms an extension to which the rim-section 10 is secured and by means of which and of a fastening screw or other device 14, the rims location with respect to the steering wheel rim may be adjusted at will.

Each lever 9 at the angle or corner is provided with hinge elements 15 which, when associated with the hinge elements and hinge pins 16, constitute a hinge lioint between the levers 9 and the support members 4. ln order to limit the movement of the levers in one direction so as normally to maintain the rimsections 10 in a given position the suiport members 4 are provided with one-way stops 17 to cooperate with similar stops 18 on the levers 9.

The vertical legs 19 oi' the levers 9 are adapted to operate in the socket extension 7 and will effect closures for the radial openings thereof. Each leg 19 is provided with suitably located lugs 2O to hold springs 22 that are located in the socketed extensions 7 and are also mounted on lugs 21 which space the springs from the backs or the sockets for a purpose presently made clear.

In each socket there is secured a suitable insulator 23, on which circuit terminal contacts 24 and 25 are mounted. These contacts are preferably mounted concentric with the springs, that is to say, they project` into the springs but, of course, are held out or" electrical contact with the springs. instead of projecting the contacts into the springs the springs may be located at a dierent level than the contacts (see Figure 8). The vertical legs 19 each carry a circuit closer contact 25 mounted on a suitable knob 27 of insulation so that when 26 engages 24 and 25 the circuit will be closed between those contacts.

In the diagranunatic ligure, Figure 9, W iinlicates the circuit wires between the contacts 24 and 25 and the signals L and R respectively and the battery B, it being understood that the signals and battery are in cir cuit with the contacts 24 and 25 as a normally open circuit.

So far as described it will be seen that as indicated in Figure l, the circuit closing device may be operated either by pressing downwardly with the thumb (see left hand portion of Figure 1) or the backs of the fingers may be employed (see right hand portion of Figure 1). In turning the steering wheel, witn the thumb or lingers in engagement with the circuit closers rim, as soon the hand reaches the point 12 the thumb or vfingers will leave the circuit closer rim and it will be restored to its normal posit-ion without danger of lingers bridging the gap between the two ends of the portion 11-11 and operating an erroneous signal.

From the drawings it will be seen that the rim sections 10 are secured to their respective spokes at such angles that the said sections normally lie inclined to the axis of the steering wheel instead ot normal thereto so that when they are pressed down the said rim sections 10 will lie in a' plane normal to the aXis of the steering wheel and its post. 'Vhile this is the preferable way to mount the rim sections, as it facilitates the introduction of the lingers between the steering wheels rim 2, and the rim sections 10, nevertheless it is not a necessary or indispeiisable part of the invention and if desired t ie rim sections 10 may lie normally in the same plane.

Numerous modilications in the details of construction` Yform and general arrangement of parts can be made without departing from the spirit of our invention or the scope of the appended claims, for insta-nce instead of providing the two contacts 24 and 25 to be closed by a bridging contact 26, one of the contacts 24 or 25 alone may be used and the circuit connection of the other wire made to he contact 26. As such minor changes are obvious and well within the scope of our invention further illustration is thought to be unnecessary.

What we claim is:

1. In direction signaling apparatus wherein is provided signals, a steering wheel haring a rim, anu a steering post; a circuit clesing and opening switch comprising a support secured to the outside oi the steering wheel post beneath the wheel, a two-part rim, L levers hinged to said support and carrying said two-part rim, means limiting the move- Cil carried by said support and adapted to be closed upon moving said levers against the spring tension.

2. In direction signaling apparatus Wherein is provided signals, a steering Wheel having a rim, and a steering post; a circuit closing and opening svvitchcomprising a support se-` cured to the steering Wheel post, a tivo-part riin,`L levers hinged to said support and carrying said tWo-partfrim, means limiting the movement ot said levers in one direction,

'springs between said supportand said levers continuously acting to -niove said'levers to ltheir limits in one direction, and circuit'terminals carried by said support and adapted to beclosed upon moving said levers against the spring tension, said levers including telescopic sections whereby the positions of said tivo-part rim VWith respect to the steering ivheels rim may be adjusted.

3. In current controlling mechanism, the combination with steering Wheel postand a steering Wheel having a rim; a circuit making and breaking device comprising a box like support lixed to the outside ot said post and having radial projections, a two-part rim, each part of which has a spoke hinged be tween a pair ci' projections of said support whereby each rim part may have movement independently of the other, circuit terminal contacts Within the space between said radial projections of saidsupport and on said spokes whereby upon movement oi said spokes in one direction the circuits may be closed, and

upon movement thereof in the opposite direction the circuits will be opened, means normally holding said rim parts in a given position and maintaining the circuits open.

4l. In current controlling mechanisnnthe combination with a steering wheel post and a steering Wheel having a rim; a circuit making and breaking device comprising a support fixed to'said post, a two-part rim, each part oi' which has a spoke hinged to said support whereby each rim part may have move# ment independently of the other, circuit terminal contacts associated with said support and With said spokes whereby upon movement of said spokes in one direction the circuits may be closed, and upon movement thereof in the opposite direction the circuits Will be opened, and means normally holding said rim parts in a given position and maintaining the circuits open, said rim parts each comprising an approximately semi-circular member, one endr of which is extended inwardly from the remainder of the member to f lie approximately7 parallel to said spokes,

substantially as specified.

5. In'circuit closers of a type applicable to motor vehicle direction signaling systems;

a circuit switclicomprising a support secured to the outside oi' a steering Wheels post beneath the Wheel, a tivo-part ring-like rim, radial spokes hinged to said support, 'said spokes being of L form to provide radial portion and a vertical portion, said support having sockets for said vertical portions, said spokes being hinged to said support, circuit terminal contactsinounted in said sockets, said vertical portions adapted to enter and constitute closures :tor said sockets and having provision for operating said contacts, and springs in said sockets engaging said vertical portions for the purposes speciiied.

6. In circuit closures or'direction signals; av split clamp and supporting member adapted to-t a steering Wheel post and be secured thereto, said member having at least Yone socketn extension, circuit terminal contacts located in said socket extension, a lever hinged'to said extension and having asliort leg lying in said socket of said extension, and i having a long leg extending radially of said member, means limiting movement ot said lever in one direction, yieldable means tending to force said lever in one direction, and

rim segment secured to said long arm.

v 7. In circuit closures for direction signals; a split 1 clamp and supporting member adapted to fit asteering Wheel post and be `secured thereto, said member having at least one socket extension, circuit terminal contacts located in said socket extension, a lever hinged to-sfaid extension and having a short leg lying in said socketofsaidextension, and

having a long leg extending radially ot said o member, means limitingV movement 'of said ico lever in one direction, yieldable means tend j l ing to force said lever in one direction, and a rim segment secured to said longV arm, said long arm comprising telescopic sections whereby said rim segment may be' located closer to or farther from the rim of a steer ing Wheel. t v

8. In. circuit closers for direction signals; a split clamp and supporting member adapted to lit a steering Wheel post and be secured thereto, said member having at least one socket extensiom'circuit terminal con'- tacts located in said socket extension, 'a lever hinged to said extensionand having a short leg lying in said socket of said extension, and having a long leg extending radially of said member, means limiting movement of said lever in one direction, yieldable means tending to torce said lever vin one direction, and

a rim segment secured to said long arm, said secured thereto, said member having at least one socket extension, circuit` terminal contacts located 1n said socket extension, a lever hinged to said extension and having a short leg' lying in said socket of said extension, and having a long leg extending radially ot said member, means limiting movement oi mid lever in one direction, yieldable means t i ing to force said lever in one direction, and a rim segment secured to said long arm, said rim segment being connected to said long arm between the segments ends, one end of said segment being inwardly bent to lie parallel. to said long` arm ttor the purpose specified.

l0. In circuit @losers ior direction signals; a split clamp and supporting member adapten to fit a steering pest and be secured thereto, said member having a pair of vertically disposed parallel extension Walls joined by a top wall to constitute a socket extension, said top Wall having its outer edge slotted to provide one element of a hinge joint,

an L-shaped lever slotted at the juncture of its two arms to constitute the other member of the hinge joint, a hinge pin connecting said elements of the hinge joint, said lever having a long arm and a short arm, the short arm lying between said plates as a front Wall of the socket extension, circuit contacts mounted in spaced relation on said clamp Within said socket extension, a contactor mounted on said short arm to cooperate With said circuit contacts, a spring continuously tending to move said lever in one direction, and means limiting the movement ot' said lever in said one direction.

1l. In circuit closers for direction signals; a split clamp and supporting member adapted to fit a steering Wheel post and be secured thereto, said member having a pair of vertically disposed parallel extension Walls joined by a top Wall to constitute asocket extension, said top Wall having its outer edge slotted to provide one element of a hinge joint, an L-shaped lever slotted at the juncture of its tvvo arms to constitute the other member of the hinge joint, a hinge pin connecting said elements of the hinge joint, said lever having a long arm and a short arm, the short arm lying between said plates as a. front Wall of the socket extension, circuit contacts mounted in spaced relation on said clamp Within said socket extension, a contactor mounted on said short arm to cooperate with said circuit contacts, a spring con,- tinuously tending to move said lever in one direction, and means limiting the movement of said lever in said one direction, said last named means comprising cooperating stops on said lever and said top Wall.

l2. In circuit closers for direction signals; a split clamp and supporting member adapted to iit a steering post and be secured thereto, said member having a pair of vertically disposed parallel extension Walls joined by a top Wall to constitute a socket extension, said top wall having its outer edge slotted to provide one element of a hinge joint, an L-shaped lever slotted at the juncture of its two arms to constitute the other member of the hinge joint, a. hinge pin connecting said elements of the hinge joint, said lever having a long and a short arm, the short arm lying between said plates as a front 'Wall oi the socket extension, circuit contacts l.oun.ted in. spaced relation on said clamp Within said socket cxteusion, a contact-or mounted on said short arm to cooperate with said circuit contacts, spring continuously tending to move said lever in one direction, and means limiting the movement of said lever in said one direction, said lever having its long arm composed of telescopic parts adjustably secured together, the outer one of said parts carrying an operating rim sector.

ALEXANDER M. HUDSON.

CLARENCE H. TVVETTEN.

lil@ 

